Bushcraft, a solitary pursuit??

[redneck]

I enjoy meets and gatherings as much as the next guy, they tend to have that " mountain man rendezvous" feel about them, but to be honest when I want to go out and practise my craft I much prefer to go it alone, build what I want, cook what I want, eat what I want, all when I want, is it selfish of me or do others think that it's something you get more out of when you're alone.Do you prefer company or just to be at one with the wild?

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

Bit of both but I prefer the peace and solitude of the mountains or water, maybe coz I teach 120 kids a day ?

Wild camped a few miles form the roadhead the other day, all I could hear was the wind and the burn.

Nick

 

[Shambling Shaman]

I enjoy meets and gatherings as much as the next guy, they tend to have that " mountain man rendezvous" feel about them, but to be honest when I want to go out and practise my craft I much prefer to go it alone, build what I want, cook what I want, eat what I want, all when I want

I'm with you on that, yes I enjoy a good get together, but like a wise man once said "Your never lost when your on your own"

 

[maddave]

Same again, a bit of both. I'm comfortable in my own company and experienced enough to go it alone in the wild. There are times when you like to sit and chat round the fire with friends and perhaps share a dram, but there are other times when being alone with your thoughts, working to your own schedule and just "being" is fantastic

 

[Humpback]

Redneck
Your post strikes a cord with me too.
Alan

 

[Peter_t]

bit of both for me too, but im almost always alone, the word loner comes to mind? tbh im not a huge social person. when im with people i just find that nothing gets done and there is a lack of freedome like said above. also most people i know think bushcraft is a complete joke (espesually people at college who call me pete grylls )
i think i would be fine with other keen bushcrafters like on here thow and realy want to go to a meet sometime.

pete

 

[bushscout1]

I concur with all the previous posts, I think there is a time for being alone and a time for company, each have their own attractions if you're in the mood.

 

[Spikey DaPikey]

Bit of both, same as most of the replys here

 

[SimonM]

I concur with all the previous posts, I think there is a time for being alone and a time for company, each have their own attractions if you're in the mood.

Sums it up for me too.

Simon

 

[Bob]

I know what you mean - it's a dilemma I wrestle with whenever I decide to go to events such as the Wilderness Gathering.

I would like to stay and attend lots of workshops (it's just too expensive to do that as a Day visitor) but I'm put off by the sight of a basha under every tree and tents all over the fields. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure everyone there would make excellent company but I'm put off by the 'crowding' (you'll probably not be surprised to learn that I've never attended a festival of any kind either!) As a result I always come away feeling slightly disappointed - but I'm not sure if that isn't with myself.

Since I was young I've always sought my adventures by myself - I feel I 'connect' more when not distracted by others, and I think I encounter more too. Even though I work outdoors anyway I still regard 'outdoor time' as my (solitary) time though over the years I've had to moderate this as my kids seek to join me. I almost feel 'guilty' about this sometimes; trying to balance this need to be alone with a need to be with my family (a therapist would no doubt have a field day on this!)

Well I've opened up now so be gentle on me!

Bob

 

[saddle_tramp]

I know what you mean - it's a dilemma I wrestle with whenever I decide to go to events such as the Wilderness Gathering.

I would like to stay and attend lots of workshops (it's just too expensive to do that as a Day visitor) but I'm put off by the sight of a basha under every tree and tents all over the fields. Don't get me wrong; I'm sure everyone there would make excellent company but I'm put off by the 'crowding' (you'll probably not be surprised to learn that I've never attended a festival of any kind either!) As a result I always come away feeling slightly disappointed - but I'm not sure if that isn't with myself.

Since I was young I've always sought my adventures by myself - I feel I 'connect' more when not distracted by others, and I think I encounter more too. Even though I work outdoors anyway I still regard 'outdoor time' as my (solitary) time though over the years I've had to moderate this as my kids seek to join me. I almost feel 'guilty' about this sometimes; trying to balance this need to be alone with a need to be with my family (a therapist would no doubt have a field day on this!)

Well I've opened up now so be gentle on me!

Bob

totally with you there bob

i can take crowds in small doses, the banter and laugh makes for an interesting diversion. but for the most part im far happier in my own company. Im not shy, but im not exactly an extrovert either, so in a group, i tend to sit at the back n leave the talking to them what got the most to say. i guess the problem is that groups often follow the thought or direction of the loudest members. If i disagree, (and i usually do!) il seldom make an issue of it cos im probably too laid back to see need to argue. so just tag along with the group and breath a sigh of relief when i can escape back to my own directions

 

[Chips]

I definately like being with friends and in groups. I like talking to others, in groups or whatever. I guess I naturally am a fairly dominant person, I like being in control and people generally look to me for advice.

I don't mind being on my own though.

 

[w00dsmoke]

I much prefer to choose the company I keep in wild places. Experience informs me that large groups and wilderness and me do not bode well together. An example would be the moot; for me it would be not comfortable. Contradictory so it may seem but I struggle with such a large volume in green land. I struggle when groups meet proclaiming love for wild land yet turn up with the huge builders tarps tied from tree to tree, the noise and the lack of respect and intimacy with that green space.

On the other hand, I occassionally meet up with friends and small groups of like minded souls and it is a pleasure we share. I enjoy these transient moments. But on the whole it is either with a friend or alone with my dog. Then I can commune and touch the earth physically and spiritually.

WS

 

[firecrest]

I love to be alone, but I have doubts about my saftey, I dont think Id truly be able to enjoy being alone like I aught to be able to, unless I went somewhere extremely remote like canada, but I dont have the expertise for that.

 

[saddle_tramp]

i go fishing a lot (least when im well enough)

If i go with mates, we take beer, wel prob have a barbecue, we have a laugh, take **** out of eachothers casting. its all about the fun. But when i go on my own, its a totally different experience. it can be deadly serious, tuned in, or it can be a totally relaxed, almost spiritual thing, but neither ever happen unless im on my own, cos theres always a distraction.

 

[ZDP-189]

It's better with upto 5 buddies, but fine alone. If I go with only one mate, I make sure I leave my cowboy hat at home.

 

[Rhoda]

I love to be alone, but I have doubts about my saftey, I dont think Id truly be able to enjoy being alone like I aught to be able to, unless I went somewhere extremely remote like canada, but I dont have the expertise for that.

Agreed, it's not always as easy to relax being alone as a woman.

 

[spiritofold]

Agreed, it's not always as easy to relax being alone as a woman.

Its a shame things are that way.....

 

[forrestdweller]

I enjoy meets and gatherings as much as the next guy, they tend to have that " mountain man rendezvous" feel about them, but to be honest when I want to go out and practise my craft I much prefer to go it alone, build what I want, cook what I want, eat what I want, all when I want, is it selfish of me or do others think that it's something you get more out of when you're alone.Do you prefer company or just to be at one with the wild?

that was never a question for me. until i stumbled accidentally accross this website i thought i'm the only one with an interest in these things(i'm far away from UK) and sadly most people around me reacted not very understanding to my way of living- so i got used to do everything by myself.

 

[ZDP-189]

Agreed, it's not always as easy to relax being alone as a woman.

You'd be alright in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, or Korea.